Kelly Clarkson, Meaning Of LifeThe American Idol winner's Atlantic debut captures the vibe of her live shows, showing off her powerhouse voice and effervescent personality on songs that evoke R&B's golden periods, from the Sixties to the Nineties. "It was essential – at least for me – to make a record that almost sounded like [my live show]," Clarkson told Rolling Stone. "When people come see me live, we've brought horns out, we've got strings out. People don't come for the costume changes!"Read Our Feature: Kelly Clarkson: "I Am a Whole Lot of Woman, and That's OK"Hear:Amazon Music Unlimited | Apple Music | SoundCloud Go | Spotify | Tidal

Big K.R.I.T., 4eva Is a Mighty Long TimeThe fast-talking Southern MC explores his two sides – his public "Big K.R.I.T." side and his inner "Justin Scott" side – on this ambitious, lushly produced, guest-stuffed double album.Hear:Amazon Music Unlimited | Apple Music | SoundCloud Go | Spotify | Tidal

Lee Ann Womack, The Lonely, the Lonesome & the GoneWomack's grown from mere Nashville hitmaker to a standard-bearer of outlying country traditionalism. Which doesn't mean retro per se, as this ambitious 14-song effort proves; it has raw, curveball production by husband Frank Lidell (also Miranda Lambert's studio wingman) and guitars so vintage-sounding, you can imagine smelling dust sizzling on amplifier tubes. Co-writers are A-list, and Womack's voice kills – check her goosebump cover of "Long Black Veil." Will HermesHear:Amazon Music Unlimited | Apple Music | Bandcamp | Spotify | Tidal

Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein, Stranger Things 2 (A Netflix Original Series Soundtrack)The second season of Netflix's retro-minded thriller series arrived on the streaming service early this morning, and Austin musicians Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein (of the synth tricksters Survive) have returned to provide mood music. "In Season 2, we're introducing new styles of composition, while still revisiting old themes when appropriate," Dixon and Stein said in a statement. "We've created new elements that are necessary to support the story, but still want to remain true to the sound of Season 1."Read Our Review: Stranger Things 2: New Season of Netflix's Hit Show Gets Darker, Goes DeeperHear:Amazon Music Unlimited | Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal

Fever Ray, PlungeKarin Dreijer of the Knife) takes on the short-circuited humanity of the Tinder era on this spiky, hooky album, the first full-length from her solo project since her 2009 debut. Hear:Apple Music | SoundCloud Go | Spotify | Tidal

Curtis Harding, Face Your FearThis soul revivalist's second album is full of plush string beds and southern-fried rave-ups (courtesy of Danger Mouse), which are meticulously crafted and give his raspy, passionate yawp even more heft. Hear:Amazon Music Unlimited | Apple Music | Bandcamp | Spotify | Tidal